I have a variety of issues to deal with, but the one that's been bothering me the most lately is that I can't stand being around people who complain, even if it's not directed at me. As an example if a friend complains about a bad dish and sends it back, even if they're completely justified, I get really uncomfortable and feel strong anxiety. I can't deal with my cat whining or someone else's kids crying. How do I learn to deal with this better? [more inside]
posted by JZig
on Jan 2, 2015 -
9 answers

A little over two years ago I posted a question regarding a very difficult situation I was in. The result is - eventually after much trauma we got divorced. Two years have passed and whilst in some respects I have made progress, a terrible situation has now occured and I am weighed down with the weight of the world. Desperately need some hivemind perspective if possible. [more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Nov 21, 2014 -
12 answers

For most of my adulthood, I've been unable to fully deal with normal things the way most people seem to be able to. I have a decent full time job, a nice home, and a great husband... really nothing major to complain about. But many things bother me to the point that it affects my daily life, and I want it to stop but I don't know how to make it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Nov 18, 2014 -
38 answers

I am trying to get an idea of how to document emotional abuse. My sister is in an abusive relationship and I am of the opinion that separation is not the worst idea.
I am at my wit's end trying to figure out what to do to help my sister. [more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Aug 28, 2014 -
8 answers

A relationship with a friend has spiraled out of control. I have to bring it to an end, and I'm not sure how to go about it. I need advice. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Aug 23, 2014 -
46 answers

I read a study online somewhere that physically abusive men on average wait three years before escalating to physical violence. Does anyone know the study, and can you give me a link? [more inside]
posted by magstheaxe
on Jul 6, 2014 -
1 answer

Most of the academic textbooks I've read have had a drawn-out presentation style based on psychological observations as part of an effort to project a particular voice. [more inside]
posted by Musashi Daryl
on Apr 18, 2014 -
3 answers

Whenever I have a particularly stressful or taxing day, I end up being profoundly exhausted for 2-3 days after. We're talking sleeping for 16 hours each day, walking around in a daze, feeling sick after eating, and just feeling unable to do anything I want or need to do. It's like I'm dealing with trauma, but surely this isn't a normal or even reasonable response to trauma, right? If you've dealt with this in the past or are dealing with it now, could you please share any solutions you've found that have worked for you? This has been going on since 2008 for me.
posted by These Birds of a Feather
on Mar 2, 2014 -
18 answers

I am in love with a man who claims that he cannot feel love, that he does not know what it is and I want to figure out whether to stay with him in the casual/open/this-will-one-day-end romantic relationship we are in now, to cut that off entirely and just try to be friends, or to go all in and try to forge a long term bond and hope that he will one day feel love. [more inside]
posted by telomere
on Jan 31, 2014 -
59 answers

I have long-running case of depression and generalized anxiety disorder, with plenty of childhood triggers. I do see a therapist but due to the holiday schedule, I won't be seeing my therapist for a few weeks. I want to do some work by myself, because crying to sleep nearly every night is getting exhausting. I want my subconsciousness to chill out and be less triggered. I want tips, stories, and resources.
Difficulty: I live with my parents, and I get triggered by them. [more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Dec 17, 2013 -
15 answers

How to heal after living with a sex addict? I am looking for good sources of personal empowerment concerning sexuality (female) and possibly examples of men who actually love deeply and see sex as an expression of love as well as passion...any leads? [more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Dec 7, 2013 -
10 answers

I struggled with depression for twenty odd years and have given up on finding medications that seem to hit the mark for other people. I have learned what I need to keep the worst of it at bay and actually feel better depression level wise since I can remember. However I am going through extreme emotional times right now and am wondering if it is ethical to try meds just to numb the pain. [more inside]
posted by kanata
on Nov 17, 2013 -
19 answers

Can I explain to someone how their negative behaviors are putting me off, but maintain an amicable relationship with them? I get too emotional to find fair words. [more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Nov 1, 2013 -
30 answers

I recently discovered CASEL, which supports social and emotional learning in schools. This is something I think I really want to support, but I'm more interested in social and emotional learning for a general audience (voters, other Metafilter members, etc.), rather than the young students that are CASEL's focus. [more inside]
posted by amtho
on Aug 24, 2013 -
2 answers

I'm making a list of videos that create a very particular kind of frisson: the feeling that the world is a big place filled with experiences to have and explorations to take part in. Have some good examples inside - would love more. [more inside]
posted by Ash3000
on Jul 30, 2013 -
23 answers

Brief explanation: I am in crisis emotionally right now, and there is a lot of related spiritual stuff that goes along with it. However, I still have a lot of "real world" stuff to do that isn't getting done, mainly because I can't stop sleeping right now. I have good meds and a wonderful therapist. See extended explanation for more info. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe
on Jul 22, 2013 -
10 answers

I am currently finishing up my exchange in France where I've had awesome experiences and faced life-changing learning curves. Now I'm returning home to my extremely estranged parents who have been fighting all my life--deep, disgusting trenches of arguments that seem never-ending. [more inside]
posted by rhythm_queen
on Apr 28, 2013 -
48 answers

My girlfriend is about to start a series of medical-related procedures as part of her gender transition (M2F). What can I, as a cis(ish) woman, do to be a good support to her? [more inside]
posted by divabat
on Apr 10, 2013 -
4 answers

Can you really be addicted to a certain kind of sadness?
Ugh...I hate that song. My boyfriend has serious intimacy issues but is trying to work on them. I feel intermittently insecure/frustrated/sad/angry and I don't know how much longer I can take it... [more inside]
posted by entropy33
on Nov 4, 2012 -
14 answers

I am looking for more songs similar to 10cc's "I'm not in love". Specifically, songs about attraction or falling in love but feeling conflicted over it or uncomfortable with it or questioning it. Difficulty: Must also be non-venomous, non-hostile, non-accusatory. So I am not looking for songs like "You give love a bad name" or Britney Spears "Toxic". [more inside]
posted by Michele in California
on Sep 5, 2012 -
55 answers

I was in a traumatic event a few years ago which was followed by shock and near complete amnesia. Recently I've been getting memories back, and, following different triggers, experiencing physical and emotional exhaustion. Help me understand what to expect, and how best to deal with it ? (More specific qs after the cut) [more inside]
posted by EatMyHat
on Aug 23, 2012 -
11 answers

Imminent break of self imposed celibacy after a few years. Going away on romantic trip next week. Gentleman in question unaware of my choice or relationship history. How to prepare? Do I tell him this? What can I do to prepare myself? [more inside]
posted by a2
on Jul 14, 2012 -
45 answers

Anyone have good ideas of characters who personify over-emotional thinking, over-rational thinking and a healthy balance of both?
The missus leads a group at a recovery center, and she's trying to find examples to show the patients to help them understand between emotional and rational thinking. The best we've come up with is Spock/McCoy/Kirk; is there a good clip that shows this interplay between the characters?
Or, please, if you have better characters and scenes she could use, we'd appreciate it.
posted by razdrez
on May 16, 2012 -
20 answers

What would you suggest for improved social skills, fitting in, decreased awkwardness, and undoing a reputation for being annoying at work? I'd especially love help for nerds with social anxiety who need to fit in with mainstreamy socialite sorts of people. [more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Apr 30, 2012 -
20 answers

What are some informative self-help books and other resources (preferably online or UK-based) for adults dealing with abusive parents who have undiagnosed cognitive deficits and are emotionally stunted? [more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Jan 1, 2012 -
2 answers

After nearly 11 yrs of marriage my husband is talking of possibly finding his own place and at the very least separating for awhile to see if he can "get himself together". We have been a couple nearly 15 yrs. I am looking for experiences, resources, advice... [more inside]
posted by snuffyrat
on Dec 27, 2011 -
21 answers

A friend is getting divorced. He has been married about 8 years and has 3 kids under 6, one who is just months old. He and his wife are amicably dealing with this so far, though this was just determined yesterday. What advice do you have for him? [more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Oct 26, 2011 -
21 answers

Please help me learn how to identify an emotionally/mentally abusive relationship. I am not sure if myne has always been one, or is slowly turning into one, or is not one. [more inside]
posted by amacph10
on Jun 15, 2011 -
137 answers

My parents are unusual, and, by virtue of being their daughter, so am I. Some of their idiosyncrasies and ways of doing things I appreciate and employ myself; others have alienated my friends and boyfriends for as long as I can remember. Are these things really so bad? How can I explain to my friends that this is just how my parents are? [more inside]
posted by anonymous
on May 23, 2011 -
68 answers

If the most pressing problem that remains after couples therapy is sexual, should we move on to a sex therapist or continue with our couples therapist? [more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Jan 18, 2011 -
50 answers

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